India urges nationals in Saudi to stay alert; Air India Express cancels Riyadh flights

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh urged Indian nationals in the kingdom to remain alert and vigilant, stay indoors when necessary and follow instructions issued by Saudi authorities through official channels.

In Short

• India issues fresh advisory to nationals in Saudi Arabia to stay alert
• Air India Express suspends flights to and from Riyadh until October 10
• Indian Embassy in Riyadh urges nationals not to share unverified videos or news

The situation around Saudi Arabia's capital has prompted India to issue a fresh advisory to its nationals. Air India Express has also suspended flights to and from Riyadh until October 10 after a Houthi-claimed ballistic missile attack disrupted operations at King Khalid International Airport.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh urged Indian nationals in the kingdom to remain alert and vigilant, stay indoors when necessary and follow instructions issued by Saudi authorities through official channels. The advisory came hours after loud booms were heard across Riyadh and smoke was reported rising from a stationary aircraft at the airport following the claimed Houthi missile strike.

INDIA URGES NATIONALS TO STAY ALERT

In its advisory, the Embassy of India in Riyadh asked Indian nationals to exercise caution as the situation develops.

"Indian nationals are strongly advised to refrain from circulating or reposting any videos or news related to the ongoing events," the embassy said.

The embassy, along with the Indian Consulate in Jeddah, said its operations were continuing normally. Its outsourced services through VFS were also functioning as usual, with further updates to be issued if required. Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia were also advised to follow the embassy's official social media channels for verified information and further instructions.

AIR INDIA EXPRESS CANCELS RIYADH FLIGHTS

The disruption has also spilled into commercial aviation. Air India Express said it had cancelled flights to and from Riyadh until October 10, citing the evolving situation in the region.

"In view of the evolving situation in the region, we have cancelled flights to and from Riyadh until 10 October. Affected guests are being offered complimentary rescheduling or a full refund on cancellation. We continue to monitor the situation closely," an Air India Express spokesperson told DD News.

The cancellation means passengers travelling between India and Riyadh could face further disruption as airlines assess the security situation around King Khalid International Airport. The airline said affected passengers would be given the option to reschedule their journeys without additional charges or seek a full refund.

HOUTHIS CLAIM RIYADH AIRPORT STRIKE

The developments followed a reported Houthi ballistic missile attack on Riyadh airport. Riyadh was jolted by loud booms on Thursday after Iran-backed group claimed they had fired a ballistic missile at King Khalid International Airport, with smoke later seen rising from a stationary aircraft.

Reuters, citing a witness and three people briefed on the matter, reported that smoke was seen rising from a stationary aircraft at Riyadh airport. The aircraft was thought to be empty, according to the three people briefed on the matter.

The Houthis later confirmed the strike in a statement, saying they had launched a ballistic missile at King Khalid International Airport and renewed their warning that they could force Saudi airspace to close.

FALLING DEBRIS DAMAGES RIYADH FACILITIES

The reported attack was followed by another alarming development on the ground. Saudi Civil Defence said falling debris from an intercepted ballistic missile caused material damage to a kindergarten and a medical clinic complex in Riyadh.

Saudi authorities have not clarified that the aircraft seen with smoke at Riyadh airport was struck directly by the missile. The circumstances surrounding the aircraft and the reported smoke remained under assessment.

- Ends